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SEO First Year Academy
Your gateway to coding and CS fundamentals
What it is
This program is ideal for first-year college students enrolled in tech-related majors or who haven’t declared a major but have an interest in exploring computer science. No programming experience is required! Plus, First Year Academy participants get early access to apply to the Tech Developer Residency or LITE Program.
“There are so many ambitious people out there who wish to break into tech, but that doesn’t change the fact that the market is tough for recent graduates. When I think of SEO Tech Developer, I think of a community that gives students a chance to vouch for their candidacy and set themselves up for a successful career.”
William SEO Tech Developer Participant
“The SEO Tech Developer program helped me grow my technical skills while being part of a supportive, mission-driven community. The mentorship, hands-on learning, and inclusive environment gave me the confidence and tools to pursue a meaningful career in tech.”
Aayah SEO Tech Developer Participant
“Enrolling in the SEO Tech Developer Program was my first real opportunity to have my potential truly seen and step forward in my career. My interview felt like a genuine conversation — like I was just meeting someone new and telling them about myself. Knowing that my value was seen, as well as the fact that we’re getting paid to learn, there was no doubt in my mind I wanted to enroll in the program.”
Adrian SEO Tech Developer Participant
First Year Academy
is for you if:
You’re a first-year student
expecting to graduate in fall 2027 or spring 2028
You’re interested in learning to code
or improve existing skills (no prior computer programming experience required!)
You’re a STEM or similar major
or plan to declare
Strong interest in pursuing a software engineering
or tech-centric career
How it works
Schedule
Spring: 8 weeks, February – April, approx. 5 hours/week
Summer: 4 weeks, July – August, approx. 15-20 hours/week
Spring Session
Focuses on foundational Python programming. Students will learn variables & data types, control structures, functions and object-oriented programming basics and introduction to Pygame. The format is primarily asynchronous learning with some synchronous sessions led by TAs.
Summer session
Focuses on hands-on projects and team collaboration. Student activities include: first-guided project with pygame, a final open-ended team project and version control and code reviews. This is a more in-depth four week program that builds upon the fundamentals taught during the spring prerequisite session. The format is primarily synchronous sessions with frequent TA check-ins, group work and collaboration.
Qualifications
- First-year student at a four-year accredited university or a two-year community college (Grad Year: Fall/Winter 2027 or Spring 2028)
- Enrolled in a tech-related major or undecided but highly interested in computer science.
- Ability to commit approximately 5 hours per week during the Spring Session (Phase 1). If continuing to Phase 2, ability to commit approximately 15-20 hours per week during the Summer Session.
Information Sessions
Attend an upcoming virtual information session and see if First Year Academy is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Looking for more information? Check out our FAQ for deeper answers to the most common questions about SEO Career.
No. SEO First Year Academy is designed as a gateway into coding and CS fundamentals. No prior programming experience is required. The program is ideal for first-year students who are already in a tech-related major or are undecided but curious about exploring computer science and a future in tech.
You’re eligible if you’re a first-year college student expected to graduate in Fall 2027 or Spring 2028, enrolled at a four-year accredited university or a two-year community college. You should have a strong interest in learning to code and pursuing a software engineering or tech-centric career, even if you haven’t declared a CS major yet.
First Year Academy is a two-part virtual program:
- Spring Session (8 weeks, February–April): ~5 hours per week, focused on foundational Python programming through mostly asynchronous learning with some live TA-led sessions.
- Summer Session (4 weeks, July–August): ~15–20 hours per week, focused on hands-on projects, collaboration, and team-based learning. Only students who successfully complete the spring session are invited to continue.
